June-July 2018 Tidings Edition

Transcription

1 June-July 2018 Tidings Edition First Presbyterian Church of Towanda PA Court Street fpchurch@comcast.net Website - Facebook - Fans of Towanda Presbyterian From Pastor Rachel... One of the emphases of our ECO denomination is encouragement with accountability. This applies to individuals and leaders, for sure, but it also applies to congregations within the Body of Christ. This is why ECO has developed Mission Affinity Groups (MAGs). Their intention is to strengthen the bonds of fellowship, share ministry ideas and concerns, work together to serve our community, and hold churches accountable for staying "on track" with their mission goals. Our MAG is comprised of us with the ECO churches in Rome, Stevensville, and Sylvania. The MAG gatherings we've had so far have been fun and inspirational. There is music and worship, prayer, fellowship, and sharing about what God is doing in our midst. I strongly encourage you to take part in the next MAG meeting, which is Saturday, June 9, at Rome Presbyterian. Worship starts at 9, the day wraps up by 1, and lunch will be included. Whether you are a covenant partner (member) here or not, you are WELCOME to attend!!! Just a little more to help you understand what MAGs are for. This is from our ECO website: "As a way to connect, care for, and provide accountability for churches and leaders, every ECO congregation is required to be in a Mission Affinity Group (MAG). Each MAG consists of 3-4 congregations organized around similar ministry contexts... "Part of being in a Covenanted Order is the willingness to submit to care and accountability with others. In ECO, we believe this will increase our capacity to become the congregations and the individuals we sense God calling us to be. We understand that there are forces at work within each of us as individuals and within every congregation that cause us to remain self-centered. We know that we will remain blind to being curved in upon ourselves (Luther) unless someone helps us see and repent.

2 (cont d. from page 1) We believe that a Covenanted Order provides the external accountability necessary to keep us focused on our missional calling and rooted in our biblical/theological heritage. A congregation will also be a part of a Mission Affinity Group in order to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). These Mission Affinity Groups (MAGs) will ordinarily be 3-4 congregations organized around similar ministry settings and contexts. "This level of accountability and vulnerability is something new for all of us. It may feel awkward in the beginning many Sessions have never done this among themselves let alone with another Session. For this Covenanted Order to have maximum positive effect, each Session will need to focus on vulnerability. Cynicism needs to be resisted. Bragging would be out-of-bounds yet what the Holy Spirit is doing in each congre- gation should certainly be celebrated. Best practices can be discovered and enjoyed by all. Mistakes and failures can become learning experiences for each congregation... Being in these relationships can be our finest hour." No matter who you are, taking part in this upcoming MAG will be a wonderful experience. Please make it a priority to take part, especially if you are a church officer. Please see Judy Douglas if you have any questions. Day of Prayer Items for June 6 and July 4 That we will not take a vacation this summer from spiritual growth in knowing our Lord Jesus, and growing in boldness to talk about our faith in Him with others. For the safety and success of our youth group mission trip to southern York County, June Thanks for your support of our amazing teens. For the safety and success of Hezekiah's Hands week, June Thanks to all who take part! For our children's ministries over the summer to keep kids learning about Jesus when school is out. May they be blessed through Kids' Club and VBS. That the Lord will continue to bless us with new visitors who then return and stay to learn more about the Lord and enjoy worship with us.

3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS. COMMUNITY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! The dates are August 5-9 from 6:00 8:00 pm at the Wysox Presbyterian Church. Start inviting your neighbors now and talk to Deb Fuller if you would like to help. Please pray for this community Outreach. KIDS CLUB CALENDAR JUNE 13-5:30-:15pm JUNE 27-5:30-7:15pm JULY 11-5:30-7:15pm JULY 25-5:30-7:15pm AUGUST 5-9 6:00 8:00 pm Community Bible School Wysox Presbyterian Church AUGUST 15 Pool Party

4 African Choir Coming to Us! On Sunday, July 8, the Destiny Africa Children's Choir will be leading us for morning worship! You may recall that the choir was here 2 years ago and performed at the Keystone Theater. This time, they will be leading us in song, declaring God's Word, and sharing their testimonies. Many of the children are orphans at the Kamapal Children's Centre in Uganda, but all have been adopted as children of God. Their tour raises funds and awareness for their orphanage and children's ministries. After worship, we will host them for a fellowship meal. If you'd like to help with that, be on the lookout for bulletin notices in June. We will also be looking for host homes for July 7 and possibly July 8. We will need space for 5 or 6 adults and 7 teens distributed among local homes. Two years ago, hosts usually had 3-4 people, so that works out this time to roughly 4 host homes. Teens will always have a chaperone with them. This is a fabulous opportunity you will surely enjoy. Please contact Pastor Rachel if you would like to host some of the group. Please be sure to spread the word about this terrific event and invite your coworkers, friends, and neighbors! For more info go to destinyafrica.org. Youth Group Gearing Up for the Summer You may already know that the Knight Life youth group is heading to York County for its mission trip June Please be in prayer for this terrific opportunity. You might not know the other things we have planned. Hopefully some of the youth will help out with Hezekiah's Hands week. We will also have a bonfire, take part in the Community Alliance bocce tournament (July 1 at 3 PM--you're welcome, too), enjoy a pool party at the Ferrario's, and take a trip to Knoebel's. We are also planning a thank-you BBQ for YOU, to show our appreciation for your support of our mission trip fundraising and our group in general. If you know of young people grades 7-12 who would like to get in on our activities, please contact Pastor Rachel.

5 May Presbytery Gathering Held Cornerstone Presbytery held our latest meeting at Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church near Hallstead on May 19. The time began with wonderful worship, including a message about sincere prayer by Rev. Jerry Fourroux from Lycoming Centre Presbyterian. Those gathered shared Holy Communion and joined together in song and prayer. After worship, Pastor Bob Reich from Mountain Church in Sunbury led a presentation and discussion about resources ECO has to guide churches in transformation and spiritual development. Those gathered broke into groups to discuss the presentation, and then shared what the Holy Spirit led them to think about. After a delicious lunch, a brief business meeting was held. The main action taken was to approve the national confessional standards ratified at the ECO gathering in Houston last January. There were also reports from various Presbytery ministry teams. The gathering concluded with a lovely time of praise and prayer led by 2 guitarists. If you missed this meeting, please make an effort to attend future ones because they are very worthwhile. The next meeting will be in Cohoes, NY, on October 5-6. We will be carpooling and funds are available to help with a motel stay, if needed. When we joined ECO we made a commitment to be involved at the Presbytery level, so please make a point of doing so by praying for the churches of the Presbytery, attending MAG meetings and Presbytery gatherings, or serving on a Presbytery team. Summer Sunday School Coming Up Starting July 1, Pastor Rachel will be leading a summer Sunday school series using materials titled The Me I Want To Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You. Each class will include a short video by John Ortberg followed by Bible study and discussion questions. Titles for the 5 sessions are "Discovering the Spirit," "Renewing My Mind," "Redeeming My Time," "Deepening My Relationships," and "Transforming My Experience." Since God wants us to be new creations in Christ, we'll explore how He is handcrafting us to be His best version of us. Join us in the DeWitt Room at 11:30.

6 A Little Light Summer Reading... This summer, Pastor Rachel will be leading a group that will discuss the brief volume Living in the Upper Room: Permeate Your Church with a Culture of Prayer. This small, 45-page book will be divided into 2 sessions. We will meet Monday, July 30, at 6:30 PM at Pastor Rachel's house to discuss pages Then we will meet Monday, August 20, to discuss the rest of the book. Cost is $3. Please sign up for the group on the sheet in the main hallway, or contact Deb in the church office. If you are interested in buying the book but cannot attend the meetings, you can sign up for just the book and we will order it for you. The deadline for signing up is Monday, July 2. Everyone is welcome! My Brother's Keeper Ugly Quilts A small group of volunteers meets most Wednesday mornings 10 until noon at the Towanda United Methodist Church. This is a mission group that makes sleeping bags for the homeless. The bags are used locally through Grace Connection and others are distributed in many Pennsylvania towns/cities as well as NYC. All fabric, supplies are donated. Currently, there's a need for used men's items: sweatshirts, sweaters, socks, gloves/ mittens. Clean and in good repair, please. Donations may be left in the church library with a label/tag "UQ". Questions can be directed to : MaryJane Miller, Jean H-Kafes, or Ethel Miller.

7 Calling Volunteers for Life Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life is recruiting volunteers for the booth at the Troy Fair from Monday July 23 until Saturday July 28, in two hour increments. Might you consider spending a few hours at the booth? No special knowledge is required. Our volunteers have told us that it is a very positive experience and is fun! The volunteer coordinator is Leona Fitzgerald. Please contact her for your time slot at If you would like to make a donation to support the booth, please make your check out to Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life and mail it to Fitzgerald at 891 Grant Hill Rd., Sugar Run Church Picnic - August 12 The annual church picnic will take place on August 12 immediately following worship. We will once again gather at the Riverfront Park to enjoy fellowship and fun. Hot dogs and buns will be provided by the Fellowship Team. Please bring your own table service, beverage and a dish to pass. If you have a favorite lawn game bring that along too.

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9 June Birthdays Marge Pierce 2 - Henry Dunn Jr., Kiersten Horton 3 - Lynne Pierce 5 - Wanda Stahl 6 - Jamie Homet 9 - Stacy Mount 10 - Peg Durnin 12 - Reggie Douglas 13 - Julie Harrington 15 - Bill Fulkerson 16 - Cathy Guffey 21 - Kerrigan Walsh 22 - Ken Parmenter 28 - Bill McConnell 29 - Evelyn Jones July Birthdays David McLaud 3 - Shane Martin 8 - Meredith Guffey 9 - Josh Pavey 13 - Emily Carr 14 - Brooks Greenland 15 - Joan Gormley 21 - Matt Pavey 25 - James Guffey, Ben Hockenberry 27 - Saige Greenland 28 - Christopher Horton June Elders On Call Nancy Neilson 10 - Dick Walsh 17 - Jullie O Donnell 24 - Karl Tewksbury June Scripture Readers Shirley Strohl 10 - Rhea Johnston 17 - Craig Wollenberg 24 - Debbie Wollenberg June Greeters Lois Smith 10 - Brian & Diane Zechman 17 - Jean Kafes 24 - Craig & Debbie Wollenberg July Elders On Call 1 - Ray Fleming 8 - Dave Guffey 15 - Linda Ferrario 22 - Tom Neilson 29 - Judy Douglas July Scripture Readers Jerry Young 8 - Claudia Mehalchick 15 - Pearl Fox 22 - Jack Fox 29 - Shirley Strohl July Greeters Linda Ferrario 8 - Judy Douglas 15 - Virginia McPherson & Dawn Terascavage 22 - Rhea Johnston & Brenda Abbott 29 - Dick Walsh

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11 June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Communion Day of Prayer AM Ladies Tea 1:30PM Worship 5PM Trustees 9:45 Bible Study 8AM H.H. at Cup 7PM THS Baccalaureate 6PM Boy Scouts 12:15PM Seekers 6:30 PM Outreach Flag Day PM Youth Group leaves for mission trip 9:45 Bible Study 12:15PM Seekers 1:30PM C.E. Mtg. 1PM Fellowship 5:30PM Summer Kid s Club 6:30PM Outreach 17 Father s Day TACO COLLECTION 9:45 Bible Study 12:15PM Seekers 1PM Prayer Grp. at Richards 6PM Stewardship Hezekiah s Hands Mission Week PM Youth Group Bonfire at CAC 9:45 Bible Study 12:15PM Seekers 5:30PM Summer Kid s Club

12 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Day of Prayer :30AM SS Class 3PM Bocce Tournament at Community Alliance 1:30PM Worship 5PM Trustees 9:45AM Bible Study 12:15 Seekers OFFICE CLOSED Independence Day :30AM SS Class Hosting Destiny Africa Choir 9:45AM Bible Study 12:15PM Seekers 5:30PM Summer Kid s Club 1PM Fellowship 6:30PM Outreach :30AM SS Class Tidings Deadline 9:45AM Bible Study 12:15 Seekers :30AM SS Class 9:45AM Bible Study 5:30PM Summer Kid s Club 12:15 Seekers 6:00PM SESSION :30AM SS Class Crumbs on the Carpet after Sunday School 9:45AM Bible Study 12:15 Seekers